Introduction of preoperative instruction video orientation in the intensive care unit: changes in preoperative anxiety levels before and after the introduction of the videos

Background The surgical treatment of esophageal cancer affects both the physical and psychological condition of the patients, and it is often associated with severe complications after the operation. Education concerning potential postoperative conditions during the early preoperative period might reduce anxiety associated with the operation and allow patients to manage their situation preoperatively. Preoperative instruction video orientation systems (OR) were introduced, and the changes in the patients’ anxiety, the time period after leaving a state of bed rest, and the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications in the intensive care unit (ICU) were investigated. Methods Seventeen patients underwent curative surgical treatment of esophageal carcinoma in our institute from February to November, 2008. The original orientation video was introduced on the first hospitalization day, just 1 week before the operation. A questionnaire was administered to the patients on the first day to evaluate the patients’ anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and again on the fourth day before surgery. Results HADS score was significantly reduced to 3.9 ± 2.8 after OR from 4.7 ± 2.7 before OR ( P < 0.01). The time required to be able to walk was 2.5 ± 0.6 days following the operation. There were no respiratory complications or any episodes of emotional instability in the ICU. Conclusions The OR is considered to be effective for the prevention of respiratory complications because it reduces the anxiety in preoperative patients and eases postoperative nursing care (by early ambulation).